GEARY COUNTY, Kan. (WIBW) -- Members of the public and law enforcement community turned out in Geary County Thursday night to honor the man who has helped protect those in the area for more than four decades.

A reception was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Junction City for Geary County Sheriff Jim Jensen as he marks his retirement.

The Vietnam veteran served on the Junction Ciy police force for 10 years before joining the Geary County Sheriff's Department in 1980. He worked his way though the ranks, handling hundreds of criminal cases.

Jensen was elected sheriff for three consecutive terms and has been in office since 2001.

"It’s been wonderful. This community has been great. They’ve supported me. They’ve supported my department. It’s just been great all the way. There’s been so many cases. I’ve had the gauntlet of terrific highs and terrible lows. I’ve been it all and every law enforcement officer in his career does," Sheriff Jensen told WIBW.

"Thank you all for believing in me, believing in my department, my family. That’s the hard part, saying goodbye, but it’s been a great ride and I’m looking forward to the next chapter," he said to his supporters.

Jensen was also recognized by Kirk Thompson, the director of the KBI, with a certificate of appreciation for his 43 years of contribtions to law enforcement.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.